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Cross-Culture Ministry in Kenya, Part Nine

© Jim McCoy (Kisumu, Kenya)

In the last News from Kenya, I promised to tell you about some of the children I have met and about Pastor Ochieng. This posting became too long so I divided it into two. You will read about Pastor Ochieng in the next News from Kenya.

The children of Kenya could warm the coldest of hearts. They have a shyness about them but can't help staring at a white person. They hang their heads low and look at you by glancing up. When they notice you looking at them, they break into a big smile. They love to say "how are you" and are thrilled when you say "fine" and then ask them how they are.

The custom in Kenya is to shake hands when meeting and when parting each other. Even the little toddlers will stick out their hands for you to shake.

Oh, and they love to have their pictures taken. They will pose but if the flash does not go off, they don't think you have taken their picture. My camera is automatic and will not flash if there is enough light. I had a very difficult time convincing them that I had taken their picture. At one school, a group of children would not stop posing for me even though I had taken their picture several times.

Finally, we went into a classroom where it was dark enough for my flash to work. When the camera flashed, the children screamed with delight. Every one of them had to shake my hand afterwards. Every time I go into town, I talk to the street boys. They are getting to know me. When they ask for money, I tell them I don't give money to glue boys. Now when they see me coming, they hide their glue bottles behind their backs.

One day, I was sitting on a rock waiting for David and Mary to finish shopping in the market. They leave me behind so they can get the local price and not pay the "white" price, which is 2-3 times higher. A boy came up to me and sat down. He just sat there staring at me. He did not ask for money. He told me his name was David Ochieng. I asked him if his mama and baba (Swahili for father) were still alive. He hung his head with a very sad look on his face and said "no mama, no baba." He told me he lives with an aunt. He as very dirty and wore very worn out clothes. I asked him if he sniffs glue and he said no. His eyes were bright so I guessed he was telling me the truth.